Not for This Life Only

Readings:
Job 26
I Corinthians 15:1-19

Focus:
I Corinthians 15:19: "If it is for this life only that Christ has given us hope, we of all people are most to be pitied."

Christian faith is about the resurrection of Christ. That is at the heart of it. It is not about something symbolically represented by resurrection. We are not merely talking about hope and springtime and new rebirth. Christianity is about Christ's real resurrection from the dead.

Because of Christ's real death and resurrection, God has removed from us the penalty for our deliberate choice of sin. If this had not happened, hope would be futile. We of all people would be most to be pitied, for we would only be talking of enduring this mortal life with courage. We would not have anything substantial to offer or to cling to.

Thank God that this pity is not necessary! Because of Christ's real death and resurrection, all who desire it can turn to God and be free.